Where can I learn more about hiring a consultant?
Hiring a consultant is much like hiring an employee. Some key points are:
- Know why you need a consultant and what you want him/her to do
- Ask for word-of-mouth recommendations or consult professional associations
- Interview candidates to assess skills, experience, and fit with your organization
- Check references
- Determine fees and payment schedule
- Have a detailed written agreement
Powered by Pro Bono: The Nonprofits Step-by-Step Guide to Scoping, Securing, Managing, and Scaling Pro Bono Resources is Taproot Foundation's how-to guide for bringing capacity building resources into your nonprofit.
Beyond Cash Guide for Nonprofit Boards is a guide on how nonprofit boards can tap pro bono and in-kind resources, co-written by Taproot Foundation and BoardSource.
See also our related Knowledge Base articles:
- Where can I find technical assistance or a consultant for my nonprofit?
- Should proposal writers be paid fixed fee or a a percentage of money raised?
More articles about nonprofit consulting
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Staff-recommended websites
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In Search of Unicorns: Finding and Hiring Outside Grantwriters, Part 2
Discusses how to find, choose, and pay grantwriters, and essential elements in the hiring contract. Part 1 explores why hiring grantwriters seems to be a hit-or-miss proposition; circumstances when a nonprofit should hire one; and alternatives to hiring.
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Staff pick
Southern New England Nonprofit Consultant Directory
How to select and hire a consultant
Includes samples for RFP format, letter of agreement, and screening questions for candidates and references.
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Staff pick
PND
What to Do When Hiring a Consultant
Succinct advice by Derrick Feldmann, president and CEO, and Dave Sternberg, vice president, of Achieve, a consulting firm for small to medium-sized nonprofits. Published July 31, 2009.
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In Search of Unicorns: Finding and Hiring Grantwriters, Part 1
Explores why hiring grantwriters seems to be a hit-or-miss proposition; circumstances when a nonprofit should hire one; and alternatives if your nonprofit isn't ready. Part 2 discusses how to find, choose, and pay grantwriters, and essential elements in t
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Free Management Library
All About Consulting -- Guidelines and Resources
Links to many resources that cover: understanding consultants and consulting; working as a consultant; hiring consultants; requests for proposals; proposals and contracts; and general resources.
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Raise Funds
Positioning Grant Writers For Success
Veteran fundraiser Tony Poderis discusses what to do before hiring a grant writer, how to evaluate a grant writer's performance, and what to pay a grant writer. Also suggests useful resources for finding grant writing jobs.
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NonProfit Times
Guarding Against Grant Fraud
Guarding against fraud in grant proposals is a responsibility of good management. Suggests 4 major steps to take as part of your policies and procedures for proposals, whether they are produced in-house or by consultants.
Staff-recommended books
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Nonprofit Consulting Essentials: What Nonprofits and Consultants Need to Know
Find: Amazon | Free eBook
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Fundraising Consultants: A Guide for Nonprofit Organizations
Find: Amazon | Free eBook